Festival of Trees a holiday tradition

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Fifth Annual Festival of Trees and Traditions to benefit Ann's Place, The Home of I CAN, set for tonight through Sunday, is a joyous winter wonderland which ushers in the spirit of Christmas in a most unique manner.

"We have received such a fabulous response," said Wilda Hayes, executive director for Ann's Place. "It is such a feel-good event -- it brings you right back to childhood."

The festival's spectacularly decorated, themed trees --which are donated and either auctioned or sold -- are part of a grouping known as the Enchanted Forest of Trees.

"It is moving, beautiful, exciting," said Hayes. "We kick it off before Thanksgiving -- for that anticipation you get for the holidays."

Proceeds help fund the services at Ann's Place, The Home of I CAN, whose vision is to be a sanctuary of support and resources for people living with cancer and their loved ones.

"Cancer doesn't happen in a vacuum," said Hayes. "It's the chain of humankind -- people come together to help other people."

And come together they shall. "(Ann's Place) was trying to think of a way to bring attention to the holidays, as well as bring families out in support of what Ann's Place does," said Jennifer Roy, co-chair of the event. "The event just evolved."

"We do the trees; we also have a wonderful gift shop. There is a quilters' corner; there are raffles, crafts, and a Teddy Bear Tea," Roy said. And of the tea she enthused, "There is nothing more delightful than to watch a gaggle of little (children) with their teddy bears."

Teddy Bear Tea co-chairs, Katherine Mygan and Clara St. Jean, have pulled together a two-day event sponsored by Webster Bank, complete with a "proper" English tea served in bone china, accompanied by cookies and other goodies. Children's own teddy bears are the honored guests.

Additionally, there is entertainment including a magician, storyteller, face-painting, and a keepsake photo and gift for attendees. "It is just a fun weekend of activities -- a wonderful way to start off the holidays," Mygan said.

The Christmas trees are the main thrust of the festival. Work began months ago with a committee headed up by lead designer Susan Chabot. Teams of decorators and floor designers began to plan the event. It involves companies and individuals donating money and/or design skills to create their own distinctively statuesque Tannenbaums.

"Everyone who works on this reaches into their own pocket," Hayes said. "It amazes me how generous people continue to be."

At the preview party, which kicks off tonight at 6:30, there's a silent auction where attendees can bid among the trees for their favorites. Any trees not auctioned are then price-tagged and sold Saturday and Sunday. At previous festivals, many trees have been purchased and donated to local charities or given to needy families.

Trees can range from $50 to $3,000 according to Hayes, and some have been known to create bidding wars. "These are exceptions -- these unique, custom designs, but the inflated prices provide money for the services (at Ann's Place.) The majority don't exceed $500."

The artificial trees come in all shapes and sizes, said Roy. Last year two favorites were a Danbury Fair-themed tree, and one depicting Candlewood Lake. "Many are geared toward the community."

This year, attendees will find a '50's "Fab" tree, international trees, ballerinas, Thomas the Tank Engine, Curious George, "Kiss the Cook," and many more. Trees range from cute and whimsical to elegant or collectible.

"Many have emotional value," said Hayes. And often trees are dedicated to loved ones. "Those who are in a fight (with cancer), or those who have survived or even lost. It is a nice way to keep their names out there -- their importance to the community, past or present."

In addition to the trees and tea, this year there will be an auction for a limited edition Heartland Hollow doll house from the Franklin Mint, hand-painted by artist Charles Wysocki. "It is just exquisite," said Hayes.

Generously purchased and donated to Ann's Place for the festival by Brookfield residents Ellen Cavallo-Buccitti and her husband, David Buccitti, this to-scale piece comes with all of the original furnishings, in addition to Christmas accoutrements placed in the house by Cavallo-Buccitti. "I never thought the house would stir that kind of emotion -- and for such a good cause," she said.

Cavallo-Buccitti is a breast cancer survivor, but diagnosed at 29, had not involved herself with any support groups. Taking on this project, in addition to a tree she and her husband decorated and donated, named "Heavenly Holiday," has been a pleasurable endeavor and through it she is giving something back.

"The house brought joy to someone -- now we'll bring it to the cause -- and it will bring joy to someone else," Cavallo-Buccitti said.

Danbury's Jewelry Designs has also donated "Digging for Diamonds" to add excitement to the event. Coordinated by Coldwell Banker realtor Marie Borner, "it has been a crashing success," according to Roy.

One diamond per event day is mixed among sand and cubic zirconium at the bottom of an aquarium. Participants are allowed three scoops into the tank--then they must sift through their haul to guess whether they have pulled out a diamond -- the rest is placed back in the tank. Afterward, they take their treasure to the store to determine if they have obtained a real diamond.

The planning and preparation for the festival is a true labor of love. "I have never worked with a group who are more motivated and professional -- and have a great time doing it," said Roy. With a committee of over 30, plus about 150 volunteers, they transform the Starr Ridge Banquet and Conference Center into a star-lit fantasy land, use of which is donated to Ann's Place for the festival.

"It is impossible not to feel good while doing this," Hayes said.

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The Festival of Trees begins tonight with a preview party from 6:30 to 10 p.m. with cocktails, hors d' oeuvres and a silent auction. Festival days continue Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission for adults is $10 and for seniors and children 5 and over is $5. Teddy Bear Tea Parties are set for Saturday and Sunday, every half hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. All seats for adults and children ages 3 and over are $15 and include admission to the festival.